Chicago's religious leaders fight water fee

To counter with numbers, Partners has released preliminary data for five of the 40 Chicago congregations it studied: Gorham United Methodist Church, LaSalle Street Church, North Shore Baptist Church, Mount Greenwood Community Church and St. Pius V Catholic Church. The total annual economic impact of those churches — five out of 2,000 in the city — came to more than $21.6 million, the study concluded. With an economic impact of more than $14.9 million, St. Pius V accounted for well more than half.

A handful of aldermen support the religious leaders' quest. Ald. Howard Brookins Jr., 21st, said he plans to propose an amendment that would restore the 100 percent exemption for property owned, leased or occupied by the state or federal National Guard, city of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools or City Colleges of Chicago, unless an alternative agreement is reached. But he stipulates that those institutions must carry out and abide by a water conservation program aided by the installation of water meters. And he knows the mayor will want to know where to find the replacement revenue.

"We're asking (religious congregations) to go above and beyond without compensation," Brookins said. "It's only in the city's best interest that we keep these organizations open. I'm trying to scratch my head to figure out where the revenue is going to come from. I don't have an answer for him."

The mayor's staff confirmed Emanuel's comments to religious leaders but also said he made no promises to change his mind.

"The mayor recognizes the important role religious institutions and nonprofits make in the lives of many Chicago residents, which is why these organizations will continue to receive water at a discounted rate," spokesman Bill McCaffrey said. "To help control their costs even further, we are working to install water meters in their buildings and are advising on proven conservation programs and methods."

Not all churches consider the fee a burden.

"To me, this is a minor consequence of doing business in the city," said Ron Barlow, church administrator at North Shore Baptist Church in the Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhood. The study estimated North Shore's economic impact to be more than $2.3 million.

But the Rev. Audrea Fumbanks, pastor of Gorham United Methodist Church in Washington Park, said she thinks it's criminal. Gorham has served as a training ground for Federal Emergency Management Agency responders and U.S. Census Bureau workers, and no money exchanged hands, she said. The Partners study concluded that Gorham contributes $810,072 to the city annually.

"I know we have to find other sources of revenue. To do it on the backs of churches is not a good idea," Fumbanks said.

Raised in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, Fumbanks was one of three children born to a single mother who required frequent medical care. The family didn't belong to a church, but the Methodist pastor in the neighborhood became Fumbanks' lifeline. She eventually followed in his footsteps.

"I'm able to bring the strength and the love and support of the church because of the church," she said. "You can't put a dollar (amount) on that. We really need to be strengthening and supporting those organizations that are bringing life and strength and stability to other communities."

"We're there for the city," she added. "Is the city going to be there for us?"